Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are financial recordkeepers. They update and maintain accounting records, including those which calculate expenditures, receipts, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and loss. Bookkeepers have roles in both small businesses and large companies' accounting departments. Responsibilities range from posting transactions to balancing, verifying and reconciling accounts. They ensure the completeness and accuracy of data and code documents according to company procedures. Auditors verify postings and documents to assure accuracy and completeness.

Though bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks generally do not require a bachelors degree, to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) requires a bachelors. The requirements to become a CPA are set by each state board of accountancy and include: completing a program of study in accounting at a college or university, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and obtaining a specific amount of professional work experience in public accounting (the required amount and type of experience varies according to licensing jurisdiction).

The skills taught in the accounting program are used by professionals in business management, public administration, entrepreneurship, finance and other commercial fields in order to forecast and control commercial endeavors.

Is it for you?

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks work in an office environment. They may experience eye and muscle strain, backaches, headaches, and repetitive motion injuries from using computers on a daily basis. Clerks may have to sit for extended periods while reviewing detailed data.

Many bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks work regular business hours and a standard 40-hour week, although some may work occasional evenings and weekends. About 24 percent of these clerks worked part time in 2006.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks may work longer hours to meet deadlines at the end of the fiscal year, during tax time, or when monthly or quarterly financial reports are being prepared. Extended work hours may also occur when yearly accounting audits are performed. Additionally, those who work in hotels, restaurants, and stores may put in overtime during peak holiday and vacation seasons.

MCC Graduates Working in Nebraska

Jobs and Salary expectations

To find out the approximate salary for Accounting jobs. Salary.com is a website that shows a particular job title and the salary range associated with that type of position. These salaries are not just for the Midwest.

Accounting Program Goals and Outcomes

Attainment of the business unit's accounting program's mission and goals is based upon program outcomes. The following program learning outcomes have been developed that address
"what" we expect students to achieve and describe specific skills and abilities to be mastered by students completing the Accounting program. Each outcome is supported by a competency that demonstrates "how" students will achieve the outcome. Each competency is support by a performance measure that identifies how the competency will be measured. In addition, specific course outcomes have been developed to support the program outcomes.

Upon successful completion of MCC's Accounting Associate in Applied Science program, students will be able to:

Perform basic functions of accounting in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Competency: Record transactions and preparation of: Complete the accounting cycle and prepare Income statement, balance sheet and statement of owner's equity for a sole proprietorship.